Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

The Knights hacked at it with flaming blades, but the Specter still had enough speed to dodge the attacks as it fled. It struck down two more Knights and a Legion Soldier-killing the Soldier with a terrible blow to the head that sent the man's body hurtling through the air.

Jace stumbled over a fallen Knight, taking three more Knights down beneath his huge body. Daledus tripped over Jace, but Shennen and Vannas leapt over the fallen men and remained in pursuit of the Specter.

Shennen flung his burning Flayer into the Specter's back. The Specter paused, then ripped the blade from its back and flung it away. It then resumed its escape attempt, swatting more Knights aside and dodging a large fireball from a sorcerer's blade. It turned and swiped at the sorcerer, but she shielded herself with magic and was only knocked away unharmed.

A roar shook the air, causing Lannon to whirl around. A wolf beast, covered in coarse grey fur, now stood on two crooked legs where Trenton had once been. Its demonic eyes were filled with rage and its muzzle was split open to reveal dripping fangs. The Investigator had once again transformed himself into the snarling, drooling monster that inspired fear and disgust in many of Dremlock's Knights.

The wolf beast bounded after the fleeing Specter with a speed far beyond that of any human. Trenton caught up with the Specter just beyond the circle of tents. The Specter turned and tore a gaping wound into Trenton's chest, halting his charge and bearing him down into the snow. The Specter then proceeded to rip into his throat, and in moments, Trenton lay shredded and covered in blood.

The Specter turned and started to float away, but the wolf beast rose up behind it, the injures knitting together instantly by dark sorcery. With a bloodcurdling howl, Trenton flung himself onto the Specter, tearing into it with teeth and claws and grim magic. The Specter seemed frozen for a moment as Trenton attacked it, its head bowed as it hovered, but then it suddenly batted the wolf beast aside. Trenton was flung several yards away, somersaulting over the snow.

By then Prince Vannas had reached the scene, and he blasted the Specter with white fire. The creature shuddered as it burned and finally turned into black smoke. The smoke itself soon drifted away, leaving no trace of the Specter except for the Black Flamestone that lay shimmering atop the snow.

With Taris unconscious and unable to awaken, Trenton (after returning to his human form) took command of Dremlock's forces. He seized the Black Flamestone and ordered several Knights to surround him for protection, as the Timlin and his Legion Soldiers closed in on the scene.

Taris, Flund, and several other Knights were seriously injured and were taken inside tents by the healers. Dremlock's dead were gathered up and given a funeral, while the Blood Legion held its own rituals for its fallen Soldiers. The Specter was dead, but the grieving remained.

Once the injured and dead were attended to, Trenton and Timlin met to discuss the situation. Timlin expressed outrage over Trenton seizing the Black Flamestone, and he demanded the planned duel proceed at once.

"It was Dremlock that defeated the Specter," Trenton reminded Timlin. "As far as I could tell, the Blood Legion never struck a blow. Our great Tower Master, Taris Warhawk, may have sacrificed his life to slay the creature, for he may never awaken. Now you dare ask for a chance at the Flamestone?"

"It doesn't matter," said Timlin, as the two stood face to face near Dremlock's circle of tents. "We had an agreement, and Dremlock is bound by its own Sacred Laws to see it through."

"But Flund fell in battle," said Shennen. "Therefore the duel cannot take place, for lack of one of its participants."

"Nonsense!" said Ulmason Deathhand, shaking his huge fist at Shennen. "If Flund is too injured to fight, then I will duel someone else."

"Then fight me! " Shennen snarled, stepping toward Ulmason.

Ulmason grinned. "It would be my pleasure."

"No," said Trenton. "Taris already rejected you as a participant in the duel, Shennen. Therefore, if we must have a duel, I have to respect Taris' wisdom and choose someone else."

"Then you're a fool," Shennen said. "I am the most qualified to fight in a duel of blades. And I have proven my loyalty to Dremlock time and again."

"I agree with Shennen," said Lannon, remembering how the Blue Knight had saved him from being murdered by Thrake Wolfaxe. "He should fight the duel."

The other Squires voiced support for Shennen as well-along with Jace and several of the Knights.

"So you disagree with Taris' opinion, Lannon?" asked Trenton, raising his eyebrows. "If so, then admit it out loud and perhaps I will be swayed."

Lannon hesitated. Was he really qualified to disagree with Taris Warhawk?

"Well?" said Trenton. "What say you, oh bearer of the Eye?"

"I can't disagree with Taris," said Lannon, reluctantly.

Shennen nodded, his expression bitter. "I saved your life, Lannon, and that's how you repay me? By deciding I'm not fit for a duel?"

"I'm sorry, Master Shennen," Lannon mumbled, feeling caught in the middle. "I just don't think I have the right to defy Taris."

"The lad speaks his heart," said Trenton. "Leave him be, Shennen."

Shennen sheathed his Flayer. "So be it."

"Who, then, if not Shennen?" asked Daledus, an eager look on his face.

"I will fight the duel," said Trenton, drawing his sword.

"Not a chance!" Timlin protested. "You're a sorcerer, Trenton, and based on our agreement, a sorcerer isn't allowed. This duel is to be fought blade to blade only. And you have a rather unfair advantage-in the form of that vile beast."

"The beast will not return this day," said Trenton.

"It doesn't matter," said Timlin. "No sorcerers and their wretched tricks. Choose someone else."

"Let me fight!" Daledus Oakfist roared, raising his massive axe. The Grey Dwarf was a wall of armor, muscle, and beard. "I couldn't defeat a Specter, but there is no living man on Gallamerth that I fear!"

Cheers arose from the Divine Knights.

Trenton hesitated. "You are young, Daledus. But Taris did choose you for the Divine Shield, so I have to assume you are fit for this duel."

"I strongly disagree," said Shennen. "Taris would not have chosen Daledus for this duel. He chose him for the Divine Shield because he is closer in age to the Squires-not because he is the best fighter amongst the Red Knights. If you won't choose me, I suggest you choose Velgar Steelheart."

Trenton considered it, then shook his head. "The choice is mine to make, and I know Daledus is more than capable of winning. Besides, Velgar Steelheart is overconfident."

"And Daledus isn't?" said Shennen.

"Daledus knows his limitations," said Trenton, shrugging.

Daledus grinned and bowed. "You're a wise man, Trenton. You won't be disappointed."

"Yet some refuse to acknowledge my wisdom," said Trenton, with a glare at Shennen. "Regardless, I have made my choice, which should not be questioned. Daledus will fight the duel for the Black Flamestone."

Shennen sighed. "This is a mistake, Trenton. Think carefully. I know you like Daledus for some reason, but we need an experienced Knight to defeat this foe. Don't oppose me simply because you can. Don't forget that I was on the High Council once, if only for a single day."

"Enough!" Trenton snarled. "I'm not an idiot, Shennen, in spite of what you may think. Yes, you were appointed to the High Council-but you refused to take the Sacred Oath and were promptly removed. While I understand why you refused to claim Kealin Lightsword as your Council Brother-it shows that you aren't yet wise enough to make important decisions. You're too stubborn for your own good. Again, the choice has been made. Let the duel proceed at dawn."